What makes Earwig by Blake Babies notable?

Earwig received positive critical reception, particularly for its catchy melodies and thoughtful lyrics, contributing to the rise of female-fronted alternative bands. The album's success helped pave the way for future acts in the 1990s grunge and alternative scenes, influencing a generation of musicians. Released in early 1989, Earwig is Blake Babies' second studio album following their debut, which helped establish them within the burgeoning alternative rock scene. At this point, the band was solidifying their identity and gaining traction on college radio, bridging the gap between indie cred and mainstream recognition.

How many songs are on Earwig?

Earwig has 15 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Earwig

Blake Babies · 1989

40 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant mix of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics that encapsulate the burgeoning sound of late '80s alternative rock.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Cesspool — This opening track sets a raw tone with its driving rhythm and sharp lyrics, showcasing the band's knack for blending energy with introspection.
→
Dead and Gone — The song features a compelling chorus that resonates with themes of loss and longing, making it a standout moment on the album.
→
You Don't Give Up — With its infectious hook and relatable message about perseverance, this track exemplifies the band's melodic strength while capturing the spirit of resilience.
→
Take Your Head Off My Shoulder — This brief yet impactful track combines humor with a punchy delivery, representing the band's playful side amidst more serious themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

43 /100

Lowland

Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production typical of late '80s alternative rock, with moments of distinctiveness.

What we noticed

The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a lively tone, followed by a shift to more introspective themes in the middle tracks.
Several songs feature layered guitar harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly evident in 'Grateful' and 'Rain'.
The lyrics often reflect personal experiences and emotional struggles, with a conversational delivery that invites listener engagement.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Rain

The verses shift from vivid imagery of falling rain to a powerful realization about personal growth and acceptance.

This transformation from external observation to an internal revelation highlights the songwriting's depth and emotional complexity.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Cesspool 3:15
2 Dead and Gone 3:46
3 Grateful 3:06
4 You Don't Give Up 3:39
5 Your Way or the Highway 2:41
6 Rain 3:34
7 Lament 3:26
8 Alright 2:30
9 Loose 2:48
10 Take Your Head Off My Shoulder 1:26
11 From Here to Burma 2:02
12 Don't Suck My Breath 2:49
13 Outta My Head 2:03
14 Steamie Gregg 1:31
15 Not Just a Wish 1:44

What to play next

Listen next

Sunburn

1990

Go back to

Nicely, Nicely

1987

Full Blake Babies discography Artists like Blake Babies

alternative rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata